Training camp +
WILD BEAR MTB RACE
WILD BEAR MTB RACE
with Hans Becking
Tara National Park, Serbia
31 August – 6 September 2026
Limited to 10 riders
Tara National Park, Serbia
31 August – 6 September 2026
Limited to 10 riders
Let's get wild!
We’ll welcome you in Belgrade, spend one night in the city, and then continue together into the mountains where the Wild Bear adventure begins.
Level:
Wild Bear is a challenging race. You should feel comfortable riding for several hours a day and handling long climbs.
Stay:
We’ll stay in cozy cottages right in the heart of a national park, surrounded by forest, fresh air, and real wilderness vibes.
Community:
Ride with like-minded people and alongside international pro riders too.
It’s a rare mix: good energy and real motivation.
It’s a rare mix: good energy and real motivation.
Wild Bear is a raw, friendly stage race set deep in Serbia’s mountains, you ride through dense forests, quiet valleys, and national-park trails where it feels like you’re completely away from the world.
Hans Becking
Serbia was one of our biggest surprises last year, not only for the beautiful singletrack, but for the whole experience around it. That’s why it had to become part of the Ride with Hans experiences.
We start in Belgrade, a stunning city where we’ll spend a day to explore a little and meet the group.
From there, it’s national-park life: cozy cottages as our basecamp, quiet mornings, and that post-ride feeling of coming “home” after each stage.
And if you think it’s only about wild nature, wait until the evenings. We’ll have proper dining with warm Serbian hospitality and traditional cuisine.
Just like on all our trips, all you have to do is arrive at the airport with your bike, we’ll take care of the rest.
We start in Belgrade, a stunning city where we’ll spend a day to explore a little and meet the group.
From there, it’s national-park life: cozy cottages as our basecamp, quiet mornings, and that post-ride feeling of coming “home” after each stage.
And if you think it’s only about wild nature, wait until the evenings. We’ll have proper dining with warm Serbian hospitality and traditional cuisine.
Just like on all our trips, all you have to do is arrive at the airport with your bike, we’ll take care of the rest.
Welcome to Serbia: raw trails, big heart.
- Real SerbiaWarm hospitality, big portions, and that Balkan “we take care of you” feeling. After a day on the bike, evenings are about good food, and the atmosphere that turns strangers into friends.
- In the Heart of the National ParkProper mountain trails: natural singletrack, forest lines, rocky sections, and fast descents that keep you switched on.
- Wild Bear Stage RaceA small, friendly stage race with an authentic vibe: hard days and real support. You’ll suffer a little, laugh a lot, and finish proud.
WILD BEAR STAGES OVERVIEW
02 SEPTEMBER
02 SEPTEMBER
PROLOGUE
Teams and solo riders will face a short, wild, dynamic trail in Mitrovac na Tari, and it will set the start positions for Stage 1 (an advantage for the front runners).
Fast, punchy, and just outside your comfort zone, the perfect teaser before the three epic stages ahead.
Distance: TBD
Teams and solo riders will face a short, wild, dynamic trail in Mitrovac na Tari, and it will set the start positions for Stage 1 (an advantage for the front runners).
Fast, punchy, and just outside your comfort zone, the perfect teaser before the three epic stages ahead.
Distance: TBD
03 SEPTEMBER
03 SEPTEMBER
1 STAGE
Stage 1 takes you through the pine forests of Tara National Park and Mokra Gora: 56 km / 1400+ m climbing. Expect fast forest roads, tough climbs, and beautiful singletrack, plus a pass by Lake Zaovine with some of the best views of the race.
Lenght: 55,9 km
Altitude difference: 1493 m
Stage 1 takes you through the pine forests of Tara National Park and Mokra Gora: 56 km / 1400+ m climbing. Expect fast forest roads, tough climbs, and beautiful singletrack, plus a pass by Lake Zaovine with some of the best views of the race.
Lenght: 55,9 km
Altitude difference: 1493 m
04 SEPTEMBER
04 SEPTEMBER
2 STAGE (Queen Stage)
Is the longest day, diving into the most remote parts of Tara National Park. Expect a bit of everything: epic singletrack, fast roads, forest paths, and technical terrain, including the Banjska Stena viewpoint and its rocky “Rock Garden” section that really tests your skills.
Lenght: 61,22 km
Altitude difference: 2438 m
Is the longest day, diving into the most remote parts of Tara National Park. Expect a bit of everything: epic singletrack, fast roads, forest paths, and technical terrain, including the Banjska Stena viewpoint and its rocky “Rock Garden” section that really tests your skills.
Lenght: 61,22 km
Altitude difference: 2438 m
13:30 – 15:00
13:30 – 15:00
3 STAGE
is the perfect MTB mix: great singletrack, fast roads, and forest paths, with more riding around Mokra Gora and lake views. Then comes the race’s most famous final climb, where you’ll fight to hold your GC position. After the finish: classic Serbian hospitality, an outdoor gathering with local brandy and good music.
Lenght: 46,88 km
Altitude difference: 1596 m
is the perfect MTB mix: great singletrack, fast roads, and forest paths, with more riding around Mokra Gora and lake views. Then comes the race’s most famous final climb, where you’ll fight to hold your GC position. After the finish: classic Serbian hospitality, an outdoor gathering with local brandy and good music.
Lenght: 46,88 km
Altitude difference: 1596 m
MEMORIES FROM THE LAST CAMP:
What’s included:
- Airport transfers: you land, we handle the rest
- Accommodation (shared or single rooms) — simple, comfortable, and authentic
- Full support team: physio, mechanic, and my guidance to make sure your body and bike are ready.
- Meals + drinks, focused on local, traditional Serbian food
- Guided rides + route recon before the race
- Recovery guidance: learn how to recover efficiently between stages.
- Post-stage routine + end-of-week wrap-up, we finish as a group
- Entry for Wild Bear MTB 2026
Extra Activities:
- Visting Belgrade
- SPA (one day)
- Fine Dinning
Price:
Double room (per person): €2.690 €3.490 (until 01.07.2026)
Single room supplement: + €590
Plus one (No bike activities included): €1.990
What to bring:
What’s not included:
- A well-maintained mountain bike
- A good mindset: ready to work, but also ready to enjoy the experience
What’s not included:
Personal travel insurance with repatriation coverage.
Want to bring a Plus One?
If you’d love to share the week with someone special but they don’t ride, they’re more than welcome.
Your non-riding guest will enjoy the same beautiful setting, food, and hospitality, but instead of daily rides, we’ve prepared a series of relaxing activities just for them
Price for non-riding guests: €1,990
(Everything included except the bike activities)
Your non-riding guest will enjoy the same beautiful setting, food, and hospitality, but instead of daily rides, we’ve prepared a series of relaxing activities just for them
Price for non-riding guests: €1,990
(Everything included except the bike activities)
HOW TO BOOK
Contact us
Text us or fill out the form below and tell us if you prefer a single room or a shared (double) room. If you have any questions, just ask, we’ll help you with everything.
booking@ridewithhans.com
booking@ridewithhans.com
Take your spot
We’ll send over all the details, payment options, and anything else you need.
You’re in
Once payment is confirmed, your spot is secured. See you in Belgrade.
MORE ABOUT WILD BEAR MTB STAGE RACE:
Wild Bear is one of those stage races that feels wild, raw, and real, not over-produced, not polished for tourists, but a proper mountain bike adventure where the terrain decides the mood.
It takes place in the mountains of Serbia, in and around a national park, far from crowded resorts. You ride through deep forest, quiet roads, and remote trail networks where it genuinely feels like you’ve disappeared into nature (in the best way). Think long climbs, natural singletrack, fast descents, and sections that demand focus.
What makes Wild Bear special is the atmosphere. It’s small and friendly, the kind of race where you actually talk to people, eat together, and feel part of a little community for the week. And the setting adds something rare: you’re not staying in a big hotel zone, you’re living close to the trails, surrounded by wilderness, waking up to fresh air and silence.
For our camp, it’s not only about finishing stages, it’s about doing the week properly: arriving prepared, pacing smart, recovering between days, and enjoying the place instead of just “surviving” it.
And just to be clear: this is a serious MTB challenge, but the vibe is human, supportive, and unforgettable.
F.A.Q.
31 August –6 September 2026
Check-in is at 15:00 on the day of arrival, and check-out is by 12:00 on the day of departure.
Check-in is at 15:00 on the day of arrival, and check-out is by 12:00 on the day of departure.
We start with a few camp days to settle in, ride together, and build confidence in the terrain. Then the real challenge begins: four stages of Wild Bear, one per day, ride, recover, repeat.
Wild Bear is challenging. You should be comfortable riding several hours per day and handling long climbs. You don’t need to be elite, but strong endurance helps you enjoy the week.
Yes. We recommend personal travel insurance that includes repatriation.
Flights, bike rental (if needed), drinks outside of meals and tastings, personal expenses, and any extra treatments beyond the ones included. We also recommend having your own travel insurance.
Simple rhythm: breakfast → stage start → finish + lunch → recovery time → dinner. Each day has one main ride/stage, then the rest is about eating well and recovering.
A well-maintained MTB with decent suspension and good tires. If you’re unsure, we’ll help you check. Need to rent one? We can help arrange that too.
Yes, accommodation is in shared double rooms.
If you prefer a single room, it’s possible for an additional supplement (limited availability).
If you prefer a single room, it’s possible for an additional supplement (limited availability).
In September, Serbia is usually in that sweet spot: warm days, cooler mornings/evenings, and generally stable riding weather. (around 22°C highs)
No problem. Let us know in advance and our chef will take care of it.
Think forest roads + natural singletrack in Tara National Park: long climbs, rewarding descents, and “real mountain” terrain that feels wild and remote
A full experience, not just a race. You’ll meet a great mix of riders, start in Belgrade, then spend the week deep in the mountains, riding hard, recovering well, and sharing meals and stories together. Expect wild nature, local culture, and a stage-race rhythm that feels intense but genuinely unforgettable.
Yes! From touristic visit of Belgrade, spa session, and guided workshops with Hans, there’s plenty to enjoy off the bike. Non-riding guests will have a full program of their own, too.
Good vibes and big appetite If you forget your bike, we’ll help you sort one. But here’s what you should pack:
– Your favorite riding gear
– Something nice for slow dinners
We’ll send you a full list once you’re in but honestly, if you bring energy and openness, you’re 90% packed already.
– Your favorite riding gear
– Something nice for slow dinners
We’ll send you a full list once you’re in but honestly, if you bring energy and openness, you’re 90% packed already.
Fly into Belgrade. We’ll pick you up from the airport and handle everything from there transfers, bikes, luggage. Just show up and ride.
Yes! Non-riders are very welcome and will enjoy yoga, wine tastings, and local experiences while you’re on the trails. See the section above for details.
Yes! You can split it into two parts:
50% to reserve your spot
The remaining 50% by August 30th
50% to reserve your spot
The remaining 50% by August 30th
Cancel 1 month before → get 75% back
Cancel 3 weeks before → get 50% back
Cancel 3 weeks before → get 50% back
This week is built around riding and recovery, so work time is limited. You may be able to do small tasks in the evenings, but we wouldn’t plan on full workdays.
Want to partner with us?
We’re always open to exciting collaborations, brand partnerships, and creative ideas.
If you’d like to work together, drop us an email at marketing@ridewithhans.com with your proposal, we’d love to hear from you!
If you’d like to work together, drop us an email at marketing@ridewithhans.com with your proposal, we’d love to hear from you!
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